NFL teams
James Walker, ESPN Staff Writer 8y

Dolphins safety Reshad Jones misses start of minicamp

NFL, Miami Dolphins, Team Irvin

DAVIE, Fla. -- Miami Dolphins Pro Bowl safety Reshad Jones wants a new contract, and he didn't show up Tuesday for the start of mandatory minicamp to apparently make his point.

He also missed all of the team's voluntary work this spring.

"Our discussions, right now, we're going to keep that stuff in house, " Dolphins coach Adam Gase said. "We're not trying to make public statements about anything [regarding Jones] right now."

Jones is coming off a career year in which he led the Dolphins in tackles (135) and interceptions (five). He is scheduled to make $7.25 million this season and $7.085 million in 2017 and wants a raise to put him among the league's highest-paid safeties.

Last week, Harrison Smith of the Minnesota Vikings signed a five-year, $51.25 million contract, which is the richest ever for the position.

The ball is now in the Dolphins' court. They have the option to fine Jones approximately $76,000 if he skips the entire three-day minicamp.

Gase said that he's not concerned about Jones mastering the playbook because he's a veteran player. Gase said he most recently communicated with Jones in May during a Dolphins-sponsored event.

Backup safety Michael Thomas is working with the first team this offseason in place of Jones.

Veteran defensive ends Mario Williams and Jason Jones also were not present on the first day of mandatory minicamp, but Gase said both players are excused this week for personal reasons.

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